WHAT IS CBD

& CANNABIDIOL HEALTH BENEFITS
 

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is primarily derived from hemp, a close relative of the marijuana plant. While CBD is one of the many components found in cannabis, it does not produce a psychoactive “high” on its own.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO):

“In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

CBD has gained popularity for its potential to support wellness by promoting calm, aiding sleep, and helping manage everyday stress — all without intoxicating effects.

 

The Science Behind CBD’s Benefits

CBD has gained widespread attention for its potential health benefits, but some of the strongest scientific support lies in its effectiveness in treating severe forms of childhood epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) — conditions that often do not respond to traditional antiseizure medications.

In multiple clinical studies, CBD significantly reduced seizure frequency, and in some cases, stopped seizures entirely. These results led to the FDA’s approval of Epidiolex, the first-ever cannabis-derived prescription medication, specifically formulated with CBD to treat these rare and severe conditions.

Beyond epilepsy, CBD is widely used to help manage anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and a variety of other wellness concerns. While more research is ongoing, its growing popularity is rooted in both promising studies and real-life experiences from users across the world.

CBD Side Effects and Precautions

Like any supplement, CBD may cause side effects in some individuals. Commonly reported effects include:

  • Nausea

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability

Additionally, CBD can interact with certain medications. For example, it may increase the levels of blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) in your bloodstream. This interaction occurs through the same mechanism as grapefruit juice, which can affect how your body processes certain drugs.

Because of potential drug interactions, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you are taking prescription medications or have underlying health conditions.